Originally Posted by
Muirenn
I always put it in rear wheel first, but whichever is easier, I suppose.
Be sure to avoid lying the bike on the drivetrain side. The removed wheel will fit in easily. Sometimes, I keep an old yoga mat in the trunk to provide padding between the removed wheel and the bike.
Honestly, the bike shop should have shown you how to load the bike without damaging it.
Oh, one of my friends is always telling me that it's easier to put the rear wheel in first. For some reason the front is easier for me.
I also put the front wheel on top of the bike, with an old fabric tote bag in between to keep the bladed spokes from scratching the frame. If I need to transport two bikes inside the car I put a blanket in between.
One thing I've noticed on group rides is that everyone has developed their own way of loading their bike(s) in or on the car and securing things in place.
And btw when it came time to replace my Camry, my #1 criteria for a new car was getting something that could fit my bike inside easily. I considered bringing the bike to the car dealer when I test drove the Prius, but decided that wouldn't be necessary after parking the Camry next to a neighbor's Prius and carefully studying the inside of their car. (In retrospect I'm luck the neighbor didn't see me doing it, they probably would have called the cops on me. ) I used to know a man who lived to play golf, and he did bring his golf clubs to the car dealer to make sure they fit in the trunk of the car he planned to buy.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles